Milpark Education’s staff raises funds in support of World Prematurity Day

Milpark Education’s staff raises funds in support of World Prematurity Day

Milpark Education staff, through its Social Responsibility Committee partnered with the Newborns Groote Schuur Trust in Cape Town to raise awareness and much-needed funds on Thursday, 17 November in support of the global World Prematurity Day initiative. The staff sold stickers and raised R4 225 to be handed over to the Trust.

World Prematurity Day is observed on November 17 each year. It aims to raise awareness about the issues associated with pre-term birth. It also spreads information about how to help and support affected families. Approximately 15 million babies are born pre-term each year, accounting for approximately 1 in 10 of all babies born worldwide.

The staff members demonstrated their creative flair when they decorated one of the lecture venues with an assortment of purple balloons, table cloths, candle holders and ornaments. These decorations served as the backdrop for decadent purple sweet treats such as coconut ice, marshmallow pops, cupcakes, popcorn, candy floss, berry nade, biscuits, and toffee apples. There was also a purple-themed raffle up for grabs and an innovative photo wall was set up to give staff an opportunity to capture memorable snaps.

Apart from raising funds and enjoying sweet treats, there were a number of prizes that were awarded to various teams. The Processing department won the ‘Creativity Award’ while the Accounting Department took away the ‘Top Fundraising team’ prize.

The Newborns Groote Schuur Trust is a non-profit organisation. Its purpose is to improve the lives of newborn babies and their families at a provincial and national level by supporting the Neonatal Unit at Groote Schuur Hospital in its function as a clinical model, academic resource and national centre of excellence. More information on this initiative and how to get involved is available here